Off-site hosting of applications is known as Software as a Service, or SaaS. To understand SaaS, businesses should think of hosted email service. With a hosted service, clients access their mail, but the account is not hosted on-site. SaaS hosts email in addition to multiple other applications, allocating the resources that are required for applications to function. To access applications, end users simply point their browsers toward the hosting site.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) provides management for the cloud service. Provisions include dynamic scaling and resource allocation and may also include some infrastructure services. With PaaS, users can still engage in development activities but will utilize an off-site platform for development. In essence, some services remain in-house, while others are allocated to the provider.
With IaaS, or Infrastructure as a Service, the host provides all equipment and support necessary to maintain and manage clouds. Networking components, hardware, storage and servers are included as well as configuration management tools and dynamic scaling. With IaaS, businesses get hosting and a full platform that includes equipment provision, equipment running and equipment maintenance. Some professionals call IaaS "Hardware as a Service".
In addition to services, providers should have strong customer support. End users may not have a lot of in-house technical expertise, and they will need guidance when dealing with cloud computing issues. Companies should provide FAQs and forums that customers can search on their own in addition to email, chat and telephone support. When users run into problems, the provider should step in to fix any issues promptly and with courtesy.
Customers should be able to choose from multiple provider packages. Without investing in infrastructure in-house, businesses will be able to expand for future storage needs. Companies can add capacity by sending an email or by calling the provider when the pricing structure includes multiple tiered plans. Companies may choose between monthly subscription plans or pay-as-you-go billing depending on which option best fits the company budget.
Many hosting companies actually function as resellers. These hosts are able to sell virtual capacity and machines to clients because they have obtained their own cloud storage at wholesale prices. Before signing a contract, businesses should ensure that both the wholesaler and the reseller are reputable to ensure that there are no problems.
Whether purchases of virtual capacity are made from a primary host or a cloud hosting reseller, businesses will realize immediate benefits. To suit their individual security needs, companies may choose either private or public solutions. The reliability, flexibility and scalability of virtual servers will allow IT departments to outsource many redundant operational activities.
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OnApp is a cloud computing company presenting a variety of solutions. http://onapp.com/ - Check them out for packages including cloud storage software http://onapp.com/cloud/
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